Depletion of DNA Polymerase Theta Inhibits Tumor Growth and Promotes Genome Instability through the cGAS-STING-ISG Pathway in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Overexpression of the specialized DNA polymerase theta (POLQ) is frequent in breast, colon and lung cancers and has been correlated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Here, we aimed to determine the importance and functional role of POLQ in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Integrated analysis of four RNA-seq datasets showed POLQ was predominantly upregulated in ESCC tumors. High expression of POLQ was also observed in a cohort of 25 Hong Kong ESCC patients and negatively correlated with ESCC patient survival. POLQ knockout (KO) ESCC cells were sensitized to multiple genotoxic agents. Both rH2AX foci staining and the comet assay indicated a higher level of genomic instability in POLQ-depleted cells. Double KO of POLQ and FANCD2, known to

SUBMITTER: Li J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8268317 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature